This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The foods, teas, and practices described here are traditional wellness practices rooted in Chinese culture. They are not a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Some foods and herbs may interact with medications — always inform your doctor about everything you consume. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Read our full disclaimer →
Solar Term Origin (节气由来)
Chunfen (春分), meaning "Spring Equinox," typically falls on March 20th, 21st, or 22nd. On this day, the sun is positioned directly above the equator, making day and night approximately equal in length throughout the world. The ancient text describes Chunfen as the time when "the yin and yang are half and half, so day and night are equal and cold and warm are balanced." This perfect equilibrium — the midpoint of spring — represents a moment of harmony between yin and yang, light and dark, warmth and cool.
Agriculturally, Chunfen was a critical period marked by the widespread greening of the land. Winter wheat grew vigorously, rapeseed fields burst into golden bloom, and farmers planted early rice, cotton, and various vegetables. The mild, balanced weather made it ideal for sowing and transplanting. The famous "Chunfen three signs" were observed: swallows arriving, thunder sounding, and lightning appearing — all signs that spring was in full swing.
The most famous Chunfen tradition is the "standing an egg" game (竖蛋), where people try to balance a raw egg on its end. It was believed that the equinox's balanced energies made this feat easier. The tradition of eating spring vegetables — especially shepherd's purse (荠菜) — was also widespread. The saying "On Chunfen, eat spring soup with spring vegetables" reflects the belief that consuming fresh, seasonal greens at this balanced time would bring health and harmony. The great Tang Dynasty physician Sun Simiao specifically advised to "reduce sour and increase sweet" (省酸增甘) during this period.
Seasonal Food Therapy Principle (季节食补)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chunfen represents the perfect midpoint of spring — a time when yin and yang are in temporary balance. However, this balance is delicate and easily disrupted. The liver's yang energy is at its peak during mid-spring, and its tendency to overact on the spleen (a relationship known as "wood overacting on earth" in the Five Elements theory) can lead to digestive disturbances, bloating, and irregular appetite. The TCM principle for Chunfen is therefore to balance yin and yang, and harmonize the liver-spleen relationship.
The ancient physician Sun Simiao's advice to "reduce sour and increase sweet" is the guiding dietary principle. Sour flavors enter the liver and have an astringent nature that can trap liver qi, so they should be reduced. Sweet flavors enter the spleen and have a tonifying nature that strengthens digestion, so they should be increased. Foods like shepherd's purse, spinach, and tofu provide gentle nourishment. Rose and mint help soothe liver qi. Yam and sesame nourish yin and blood. The key is moderation — neither too cooling nor too warming, neither too sour nor too sweet.
Solar Term Menu (节气菜单)
The following Chunfen menu features balanced, seasonal ingredients traditionally used to harmonize the liver and spleen during the equinox period.
Hot Dishes (热菜)
| Dish | TCM Benefit |
|---|---|
| Dried Tofu with Malantou (香干马兰头) | Malantou clears heat and cools blood; dried tofu provides gentle protein |
| Peach Blossom Mandarin Fish (桃花鳜鱼) | Fish nourishes spleen and stomach; peach blossom adds gentle liver-soothing properties |
| Rose Fermented Tofu Pork (玫瑰腐乳肉) | Rose soothes liver qi; pork nourishes yin; fermented tofu aids digestion |
Cold Dishes (凉菜)
| Dish | TCM Benefit |
|---|---|
| Shepherd's Purse with Tofu (荠菜拌豆腐) | Shepherd's purse cools blood and stops bleeding; tofu clears heat and nourishes |
| Spinach with Ginger (菠菜拌姜丝) | Spinach nourishes blood; ginger warms the middle and balances the cooling nature |
Soups (汤品)
| Dish | TCM Benefit |
|---|---|
| Goji-Date Crucian Carp Soup (枸杞大枣煮鲫鱼) | Crucian carp strengthens the spleen; goji and dates nourish blood and qi |
| Sugarcane-Water Chestnut Drink (甘蔗马蹄水) | Sugarcane moistens and clears heat; water chestnut resolves phlegm and cools |
Staples (主食)
| Dish | TCM Benefit |
|---|---|
| Five-Flavor Spring Rolls (五辛春卷) | Pungent vegetables disperse stagnation and support balanced qi flow |
| Yam-Sesame Paste (山药芝麻糊) | Yam strengthens the spleen; sesame nourishes yin and lubricates |
Snacks / Desserts (小吃/点心)
| Dish | TCM Benefit |
|---|---|
| Hundred-Flower Cake (百花糕) | Flower-based cake symbolizing spring abundance; calms the liver and lifts the spirit |
| Date Paste Cake (枣泥酥) | Red dates nourish blood and strengthen the spleen; a gentle, balanced sweet |
Teas (茶饮)
| Dish | TCM Benefit |
|---|---|
| Rose Tea (玫瑰花茶) | Soothes liver qi, regulates emotions, and promotes smooth energy flow |
| Mint Tea (薄荷茶) | Dispels wind-heat, soothes the throat, and refreshes the mind |
Foods to Favor / Avoid (饮食宜忌)
Foods to Favor
- Seasonal spring greens: Shepherd's purse, malantou, spinach — cool blood, clear heat, and provide fresh spring vitality.
- Spleen-strengthening sweet foods: Red dates, yam, lotus seeds — follow Sun Simiao's "increase sweet" advice.
- Liver-soothing aromatics: Rose, mint, chive flowers — ensure smooth qi flow and emotional balance.
- Balanced proteins: Fish, tofu, lean pork — gentle nourishment that does not overburden digestion.
Foods to Avoid
- Excessive sour foods: Too much vinegar, sour plums, pickled vegetables — can astringe liver qi and disrupt its natural flow.
- Heavy, greasy foods: Fatty meats, deep-fried dishes — burden the spleen and create dampness.
- Very cold or very hot foods: The equinox calls for balance — extremes of temperature or flavor disrupt harmony.
- Overly spicy foods: Excessive chili, pepper — can stir up liver fire during its peak spring period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "reduce sour and increase sweet" mean during Chunfen?
The phrase "reduce sour and increase sweet" comes from Tang Dynasty physician Sun Simiao. In TCM, sour flavors enter the liver and have an astringent nature that can trap liver qi. During mid-spring, the liver's yang energy is at its peak, and excessive sour intake can cause it to stagnate. Sweet flavors enter the spleen and have a tonifying nature. By reducing sour foods and increasing sweet foods like red dates, yam, and lotus seeds, one protects the spleen from being overacted upon by the liver. This is a traditional dietary guideline, not a medical prescription.
Why is balance especially important during Chunfen?
Chunfen represents the midpoint of spring, when yin and yang are in temporary balance — day equals night, and cold and warmth are balanced. In TCM, this equilibrium is delicate. The liver's peak yang energy can overact on the spleen, leading to digestive issues. Eating balanced, moderate foods helps maintain this natural equilibrium. Extreme flavors or temperatures can tip the balance and lead to discomfort. These are traditional wellness concepts, not medical advice.
What are the traditional Chunfen foods and why?
Traditional Chunfen foods emphasize balance and seasonal freshness. Shepherd's purse is the most iconic — eaten in soup or with tofu, it cools blood and nourishes the liver. Hundred-flower cake celebrates spring abundance with flower essences that calm the liver. Rose tea soothes liver qi, while mint tea dispels wind-heat. The overall theme is moderation, seasonal freshness, and harmony between the liver and spleen. These are traditional wellness practices, not medical treatments.
This article shares traditional wellness practices for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The foods, teas, and practices described here are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, take medications, are pregnant, or experience concerning symptoms, consult your healthcare provider before making dietary changes. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Read our full disclaimer →